Philip Emeagwali: The Computer Scientist With The Controversial Claims Philip Emeagwali is one of the most controversial figures in computing history—celebrated by some as "the father of the Internet" and criticized by others for making unsubstantiated claims about his achievements. Here's what's actually true: In 1989, Emeagwali, a Nigerian-born computer scientist who had overcome incredible odds—including having his education interrupted by civil war at age 13—won the Gordon Bell Prize for usi